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Jim Jones taking us back to his earlier days inside Rucker Park Jim Jones is a Harlem-raised rapper, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He released his debut solo album, On My Way to Church, in 2004 and gained nationwide recognition with his 2006 hit “We Fly High,” famous for its “Ballin’” catchphrase. His music and signature style helped bring Harlem’s street culture to audiences around the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Brotherly Love Pro-Am League is a Philadelphia basketball program that brings professional players and local talent together while supporting the community.   How it started: Novar Gadson and former Temple standout Ramone Moore developed the idea during the pandemic. The league began playing in 2021, with Stefan Thompson and Brett Oslon also identified as co-founders in the original reporting. Where it began: Its first two seasons were held at the Kroc Community Center in Camden, New Jersey, because of Philadelphia’s pandemic restrictions. It moved into Philadelphia in 2023, playing at Benjamin Franklin High School. Its purpose: Along with competitive summer basketball, the program promotes mental health awareness, supports mental health organizations, and provides food for people experiencing homelessness. Rucker Park connection: A 2023 “Legacy Day” was announced featuring Brotherly Love League all-stars against Rucker League stars from New York.   Novar Gadson is a key person behind the program, serving as founder and CEO of the Brotherly Love League Pro-Am Foundation. He is a Philadelphia native who played at Bartram High School, Rider University, and professionally overseas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John G. Stote III, the creator of The Rock basketball   His basketball roots are in Kingston, New York. In a 2018 interview, Stote said he attended John A. Coleman High School and invented The Rock around 1982. Rucker Park inspired the name. He described taking the bus to Harlem, watching streetball legends, and playing in the later games. Hearing players call the basketball “the rock” gave him the idea for the brand name, which he said he trademarked. His connection included running the business. That interview identifies him as president of Anaconda Sports, which produced The Rock, and also refers to him as the owner of Rock Basketball. The business changed hands. DIRT’s official company history states that Genesco acquired Anaconda Sports in September 2010, through Hat World/Lids Team Sports. GOAT’s current website separately confirms that Stote invented The Rock and that the former company was sold. These references establish the sale history, although they do not detail his personal ownership stake or a separate sale of The Rock brand. He also supported youth basketball. Stote discussed helping bring Smush Parker to Kingston for youth clinics and helping install baskets at Block Park around 2000. Today, GOAT credits him with basketball construction and material development alongside co-founder Heather Swart.     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LaVaba Edouard Vonzell Mallison     THE VISIONARY Since his formative years as a member of the CBS Records group " Kids At Work" alongside Teddy Riley; DougE. Fresh and the "Get Fresh Crew"...and long before he became a solo artist at Sugarhill Records; ack for anticipating the "next cutting edge, big picture". Long before the Grammys, and American Music Awards recognized Rap music; LaVaba was producing New York's Urban Teen Music Awards at the famed Apollo Theater. Mentored by the entertainment and financial industry's iconic movers and shakers; LaVaba's roster of strategic alliances and mentors includes: Sugarhill Records joe Robinson, Quincy Jones, Kenny Gamble, Motown Records Joe Medlin, International Financier Marc Rich, Mark Cristini, Esq and Norby Walters. Their guidance taught him how to leverage every technology, colleague and contact to augment his skills in order to produce optimal outcomes From A&R consultant for Jive and Motown Records; to a publishing and production deal with Qwest Records; to CEO of Roof Top Records; "Market-Maker" LaVaba was responsible for over $300 million dollars in record sales. Helping shape the music and/ or careers of Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Steve Arrington, Kool Moe Dee, R. Kelly and 3X Dope; his influence, explicit or otherwise, is a fundamental part of making "their music" engage with a global audience. With each new project LaVaba continues to reinvent himself anew. His latest venture, Gen-Muni, is a film and music production company for linear and non-linear platforms. "This company will create impactful conversations for a global culture" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visual Stimulations is a cultural visual storyteller whose work captures the people, energy, and culture that shape communities. Best known for his impact at Rucker Park, he has built a reputation for documenting basketball culture and the stories surrounding it with an authentic, cinematic eye. His creative experience includes collaborations with SLAM, Skechers, Monster Energy, Ballislife, Jr. Knicks, DRNX, and more. Beyond photography, Visual Stimulations is passionate about short film, music, art, and exploring the ways creative expression can influence and preserve culture. Through his work, he continues to build a visual archive that connects sports, art, music, community, and cultural impact. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AL CASH formerly AL BAL B grew up in Drew Hamilton Projects in Harlem, New York.AL B learned to DJ at the age of 12 under the mentorship of Larry D, a family friend from thebuilding. In 1974, AL, along with friends B Fats and Donald Dee, began playing music in thepark. It was in the late 1970s that AL B and his friends created the Sapphire Crew. They, alongwith Luv Bug Starski, were commissioned by Willie Gums and the Rose Royce Movement togive parties at the infamous Renaissance Ballroom.AL B was one of the founding members of the Disco 4, signed to Enjoy Records. The Disco 4consisted of Cool G, Greg G, Ronnie D, Country, Mr. Troy, B Fats, and Donald Dee. All weremembers of the Sapphire Crew, which at the time, was the largest Hip Hop crew in Harlem.In 1982, AL B and other members of the Disco 4, while working for Mr. Magic at WHBI,accepted the challenge to a basketball game against members of the Crash Crew. The gametook place in Mt. Morris Park and gave birth to the Entertainers Basketball Classic.The EBC combined Hip Hop and street basketball at a level that had not been reached. AL Bpaired with fellow Harlemite Duke to become the announcing duo of Tango & Cash. The style ofstreetball announcing created by Tango & Cash is emulated all over the world to this day. Duringhis time at the EBC, AL B hosted a public access show called Ready or Not Videos. Viewerswere able to call in and vote on the latest music videos, much like, the later created, TRL and 106 & Park.AL B has contributed to Hip Hop in various ways throughout its history and continues to do so. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Team Posse — Bronx, New York Team Posse was a basketball team from the Bronx, New York, representing the pride, toughness, and competitive spirit of their neighborhood. Led by Coach Gill, Team Posse became part of the rich basketball culture that came out of the Bronx. The team competed against some of the toughest talent in New York City and built a reputation for playing hard and representing Melrose with pride. One of the highlights of Team Posse’s history was their success at the world-famous Rucker Park, competing in the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC). Team Posse battled against some of the best teams and players in street basketball and went on to win championships at Rucker Park, putting the Melrose Projects and the Bronx on the map. For the players, Coach Gill, and everyone who supported them, Team Posse was more than a basketball team. They were a representation of their community and a part of the history of New York City street basketball. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DJ Esco is connected to the rich culture of Harlem and the legendary Rucker Park basketball scene. Through music, basketball, and the streets, he became part of the culture that helped make Harlem entertainment and Rucker Park a special part of New York City history. His story represents the connection between the DJ booth, the basketball court, and the community that brought them together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick Barton is a diverse storyteller.  He wrote and directed Karlton: The Dunkin’ Hines Story.  A basketball enthusiast, and historian, with a deep background in the entertainment (music) industry, this represents Nick’s first film production.  He cofounded Machiavelli Pictures, a Charleston, South Carolina Film and Media Development Company in 2021, to deliver this project. In production, he was responsible for interviewing each member of the cast and aligning them with the character that fit their capabilities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyrone “Coach Mo” Moultrie is a lifelong basketball coach, mentor, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience developing athletes at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. A proud product of New York City, Coach Mo grew up in the Wagner Projects and attended Martin Luther King High School on Amsterdam Avenue before attending Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). His coaching journey includes more than 13 years with the Gauchos’ Lady Choz, coaching girls’ basketball at the middle-school and high-school levels, and serving as an assistant women’s basketball coach at both Hostos Community College and CCNY. He has also coached with Castle Athletics, Exodus, and Bingos All-Stars. Coach Mo is the co-founder of NY CUP Basketball, alongside Spencer Middleton, and serves as the co-founder and director of the New York CUP Foundation, an organization dedicated to combining academic support with athletic development to help young people reach their full potential. Today, Coach Mo is in his third year as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Dutchess Community College, following his previous role as an assistant with the DCC men’s program. He also serves as the Head Coach of Team Rucker Women’s Basketball. Throughout his career, Coach Mo has remained committed to one core mission: developing not only better basketball players, but better people and stronger members of the community. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the streets of Harlem, New York, to the bright lights of college basketball, Alfred Jordan’s journey is rooted in the culture, tradition, and competitive spirit of New York City basketball. A product of the legendary Rucker Park basketball community and the son of renowned Rucker Park commentator Al Cash, Jordan grew up surrounded by some of the game’s most influential players and personalities. Rucker wasn’t simply a place where he played basketball - it was where his love for the game was born. Listen in as the Championship Head Coach of men’s basketball at Clark Atlanta University details his rise from the concrete jungle to becoming Coach of the Year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Al Cash sits down with Perry Rainey, the coach of Sonny Stuyvesant, the 2026 winning men’s high school basketball team at the legendary Rucker Park. A passionate coach, mentor and creative entrepreneur, Rainey is dedicated to developing young athletes while celebrating culture, confidence, and individuality. After an injury shifted his basketball trajectory, he didn’t walk away from the game. Instead found another lane. Listen in as Coach P explains how he built a winning basketball program by starting small. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Al Cash sits down with the Main Event, Wiley Dixon. The certified legend discusses his connection to Mousey, Rucker Park and his involvement with the And1 Mixtape Tour. Wiley’s journey illustrates that every player has a story. His story is a testament to the opportunities that can arise from humble beginnings and serves as a reminder that every encounter has the potential to create lasting change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Al Cash and Duke Tango chop it up with Tony Greer aka Tony Tony Tone. The Harlem power forward played for Norman Thomas High School before his debut at Rucker Park. Tony talks about his teammates and rivalries as a member of OG Juan’s Flavor Unit team. *History Lesson - Tony’s father, Tony Greer Sr, also played at Rucker Park and was inducted into the Real Harlem Basketball Players Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 35, Al Cash sits down with the owner and coach of the HoopDuJour Basketball Program, which is dedicated to developing young basketball players while emphasizing fundamentals, hard work, sportsmanship and a love for the game. Rob discusses his time at Rucker Park as the head of Sales and Marketing. While being employed by Reebok, Rob became pivotal in obtaining big name sponsorships and corporate partnerships for the tournament. Collaborating with Inside Stuff and TNT initiated the visual exposure of the games. His contributions were vital to the global success of the organization. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.